Origin & Meaning of the Tamura Surname
What does the last name Tamura mean?
The surname Tamura carries the meaning "Village." It is derived from the Japanese language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,040 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tamura ranks as the #14,591 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tamura come from?
The Tamura surname has its roots in Japanese heritage. Names of Japanese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Tamura name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tamura trace back to Japanese. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Tamura |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Village |
| Origin | Japanese |
| Language | Japanese |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,591 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,040 |
| Per 100K People | 0.69 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tamura
According to the US Census, the Tamura surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,040 Americans with the Tamura last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 11.67% |
| Black | 0.98% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 70.83% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 13.58% |
Popularity of Tamura Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tamura surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tamura surname increased by 89 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Tamura Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Tamura ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Tamura Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Tamura Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Tamura
- ✓ The Tamura coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Tamura families live today
- ✓ Notable Tamura bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Tamura
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tamura.
Other Japanese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Japanese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Japanese origin as Tamura.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamura
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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